And it is correct that the show closed, as actor Austin Butler portrays, with Elvis giving a powerful performance of “If I Can Dream.” What Luhrmman’s “Elvis” Gets Wrong?īut there was no Christmas set or surprise Elvis performance of “If I Can Dream” while dancers dressed in holiday garb looked on. The TV special ultimately only included one Christmas song (“ Blue Christmas“) that Elvis performed on stage with no Christmas decorations.Īnd it is true that the special re-invigorated Elvis and his music career after a decade of making movies of varying quality. That show, recorded in June 1968 and broadcast in December of that year, featured Elvis singing non-Christmas songs, including staged performances and an intimate sit-down jam before an audience. And it is true that Elvis, supported by producer Bob Finkel and director Steve Binder, instead put together a completely different show. It is true that Colonel Parker originally wanted Elvis to tape a Christmas special. More importantly, why did Luhrmann make the changes he did? What Luhrmann’s “Elvis” Gets Right? Elvis thereby flashes his independence from Colonel Parker in a last-minute surprise move, showing his dedication to music and to civil rights.ĭid it really happen that way? Well, sort of, but not quite.

He faces the Christmas set that is all prepared and instead sings “If I Can Dream,” a “protest” song to close out what would become known as the ’68 Comeback Special. Suddenly, Elvis, shaken by the killings of Martin Luther King Jr. As portrayed in the film, Parker brings executives to watch Elvis sing about Santa Claus on a full Christmas set.

Having read several books about Elvis Presley, I was caught off guard while watching director Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie (2022) as Colonel Parker and others waited for Elvis to sing a Christmas song on a Christmas set for the Singer. Austin Butler as Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis”

Tell me why oh why elvis